Lakshman Jhula, Rishikesh Overview :

The Lakshman Jhula is a famous hanging bridge across the river Ganga that connects two villages, Tapovan in the Tehri Garhwal district and Jonk in the Pauri Garhwal district. Located 5 kilometres to the northeast of the town Rishikesh in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, the entire bridge is made up of iron, is 450 feet long and is situated at the height of 70 feet from the river. The Lakshman Jhula is extremely well known amongst tourists because of the rich mythological associations that are connected with the bridge. It is widely believed that Lord Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama, had crossed the river Ganga at this same site, where the bridge now majestically stands for all to see.

The construction of the bridge was completed in the year 1929, and presently, the Lakshman Jhula acts as an adjoining bridge across the river, along with the old route to the sacred shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath. In the present day scenario, the Lakshman Jhula is visited by thousands of tourists each year not just because of its ancient origins and religious sanctity, but also due to the recent developments that have taken place around the bridge. Grand temples and famous markets have sprung up in the vicinity, and the entire area is a now a particularly renowned attraction in entire Rishikesh. 

Important places around the Lakshman Jhula include the Terah Manzil temple, the Lakshman temple, and the Ram Jhula. The entire area is imbued with a mystic, serene and holy feeling to it. It is common to find people here profoundly submerged and engrossed in their religious traditions and meditations, as the entire area resonates with the sounds of the enchanting mantras and shlokas from the temple. All in all, a short visit to the temple is one filled with religious worship and tranquillity, both beautifully rolled together and amalgamated into one.

History of Lakshman Jhula :

As per mythological tales, it is believed that at one point in time, Lord Lakshman, brother of Lord Rama, crossed the river Ganga at the same spot where the present bridge is now constructed. Legend has it that Lord Lakshman crossed the river using just two ropes. To honour this brave act of Lord Lakshman, a 284 feet long hanging rope bridge was built and came to be known as the 'Lakshman Jhula'. 

Until 1889, this particular bridge was used to cross the river. Unfortunately, the bridge was washed away in the floods of October 1924. Following this, the eroded jute bridge was replaced by an iron bridge along the same path in 1939. The name of the bridge was not changed, and now the iron Lakshman Jhula stands majestically.
Attractions Near Lakshman Jhula

A visit to the Lakshman Jhula is best enjoyed when coupled with visits to the nearby attractions and temples. The famous 13-storeyed temple- the Trayambakeshwar Temple is located very close to the Lakshman Jhula. Another thirteen-storey temple, called the Terah Manzil, is also situated near to the Lakshman Jhula.

Tera Manzil Temple, Rishikesh :

Trimbakeshwar Temple or Tera Manzil Temple is the thirteen storey temple situated on the banks of river Ganges in Rishikesh. Located right opposite the Lakshman Jhula, the temple enshrine several deities under one roof. Popular for its striking architecture, the temple also offers panoramic landscape view from the top of its 13th floor.

Ram Jhula :

An iconic landmark, Ram Jhula, built in 1986, is a suspension bridge that runs across the sacred River Ganga connecting Shivananda Nagar to Swargashram. The bridge spans 750 feet and is a splendid work of engineering that connects the religious ashrams situated on both sides of the river and offers a splendid bird's eye view of the mighty Ganges and the serene nature at the foothills of the Himalayas.

Risha Kund :

According to locals, the Lakshman Temple, around the Jhula with Risha Kund, is where Lord Rama and Lord Lakshman took a bath in after killing the demon Ravana to wash away their sins.

In News :

• Rishikesh's Iconic 'Lakshman Jhula' Closed Down After 90 Years, Deemed Unsafe and Beyond Repair. An expert panel of the Public Works Department (PWD) recently studied the carrying capacity of the bridge and suggested that the bridge be closed as it is beyond repair and poses a potential threat.
• Rishikesh’s 90-year-old suspension bridge, Lakshman Jhula, constructed during the British Raj over the Ganga, was closed after an expert panel suggested it is not in a position to sustain any more load.
• It has been observed that several components of the bridge are in very bad condition. This bridge should not be permitted for pedestrian movement from now onwards. It is not in a position to sustain any more with the present condition.It is highly recommended this bridge be closed with immediate effect, else some big mishap could take place.
• There has been unprecedented rise in traffic and pedestrian movement along the bridge in recent times and the bridge towers appear to be leaning towards one side.
• The bridge, dating back to 1929, has been a major attraction for visitors as well as for locals who have several fond memories. The iconic landmark connects Tapovan village in Tehri district on the western bank of the river with Jonk in Pauri district.
• The 284-feet-long bridge used to swing slightly as a result of which it was named ‘Jhula’ (swing).
• In order to support the additional movement, a new bridge ‘Ram Jhula’ was created in the 1990s. The officials said they are yet to take a call on whether the bridge needs to be dismantled.